Six nominations for JLR 2016 World Car Awards

Jaguar Land Rover has secured an impressive six nominations at the prestigious 2016 World Car Awards, including two for the ultimate prize.  The Jaguar XE sports saloon and Land Rover Discovery Sport premium compact SUV are among the finalists vying for the coveted title of 2016 World Car of the Year. Both are finalists in the Word Car Design of the Year category.

Recently, these two models were also selected as finalists in the South African Car of the Year competition, for which a winner will be announced in March. In addition, the all-new Jaguar XF saloon has been nominated in the World Luxury Car category and the Range Rover Sport SVR the fastest and most powerful Range Rover being the sole SUV representative in the World Performance Car category.

“Jaguar and Land Rover are enduring British brands that have never been stronger or more popular, said British journalist Mike Rutherford, the director and vice chairman of the awards.“

For JLR to have secured six nominations across four categories is a brilliant achievement. No other automotive manufacturing group has so many finalists at the 2016 World Car Awards.” Jaguar XE is the first mid-size saloon to feature an aluminium-intensive architecture and is the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever made. Its drag coefficient of 0.26, clean, refined Ingenium diesel engine and lightweight construction contribute to fuel efficiency of up to 4.2 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km.

Land Rover Discovery Sport is the world’s most capable and versatile compact SUV, combining a bold and progressive exterior design with practical 5+2 seating.

“JLR’s commitment to design and engineering excellence is recognised and acknowledged across the globe,” said Finbar McFall, Jaguar Land Rover Global Product marketing director. “These nominations provide further proof, if it were needed, that we are building highly desirable vehicles that can compete with the very best our industry has to offer.”

The World Car Awards has a 73-strong jury of international automotive journalists with finalists across five categories selected by secret ballot. Three shortlisted vehicles have been revealed at the Geneva International Auto Show while winners will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony at the New York International Auto Show on March 24, 2016.

MIKE OCHONMA